Coast Guard makes rescue near Emerald Isle

EMERALD ISLE — A Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued five people from the pleasure craft Shisty Living in Bogue Inlet shoals on Sunday morning.

The Shisty Living crew contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina by VHF radio and reported they were disabled and needed assistance.

Coast Guard Station Emerals Isle and Tow Boat U.S. both launched small boats to their location.

A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60J Jayhawk helicopter and crew was sent after neither rescue boat was able to get close enough to assist the stranded boaters because of shallow water and surf conditions.

The helicopter crew hoisted all five people aboard and transported them to Station Emerald Isle about 2 a.m.

Coast Guard watchstander, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Rowe, said that "thanks to their VHF radio” the distressed boaters were able to quickly get assistance from the Coast Guard.